👋 Meet CJ of Cornwall Painting Plus

Step inside the ring (and the heart) of Jorge Luis, the man behind Champ’s Eastside Boxing, whose passion has been transforming Cornwall’s youth and community for decades. 🥊❤️

"We get to meet awesome folks every day and work in this amazing community. Everyone supports each other here, and that’s pretty special. I wouldn’t trade it for anything."

Ever wonder who's behind the fresh coats of paint brightening homes and businesses across SD&G? Well, grab your coffee, friends—this week, we're chatting with CJ, the friendly face and seasoned pro behind Cornwall Painting Plus!

With over 20 years of painting experience (including large-scale industrial and commercial projects), CJ isn't just bringing colour to the community—he's adding a fresh perspective on how local businesses can thrive right here at home.

Our Local Business Spotlight series gives you the inside scoop on Cornwall's passionate entrepreneurs—the folks making our community shine, one brushstroke at a time.

Ready to spruce up your space? Check out CJ's incredible work at Cornwall Painting Plus if you need your space transformed in SD&G. Now, let's dive into CJ’s story...

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CJ, you got your start painting alongside your dad—what’s the most valuable lesson you learned from him that you still apply today?

Oh man, my dad taught me tons, but if I had to pick one, it’s definitely that prep work is everything. People think painting is mostly about rolling paint onto walls, but the real magic happens before the first brushstroke. Sanding, taping, priming—doing that right makes all the difference. Thanks, Dad!  It’s amazing how that simple advice has stuck with me, and honestly, it's what sets us apart from others in the industry.

As a successful local business with a strong online presence, what's one piece of advice you'd give to other small businesses looking to improve their digital footprint?

Honestly, keep it real and consistent. Share the good stuff—like before-and-after pictures or behind-the-scenes shots. People love seeing real work and real people. It’s about building trust and being part of the community online, just like we are offline. Engaging with people and responding to comments and questions quickly goes a long way. If you treat your online followers like friends, they’ll support you like friends too.

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"People think painting is mostly about rolling paint onto walls, but the real magic happens before the first brushstroke. Sanding, taping, priming—doing that right makes all the difference."

We know Champs is about more than boxing—can you share a bit about how your gym supports and engages with the Cornwall community?

Well some of our biggest victories are OUTSIDE the ring. I have had people lose tremendous amounts of weight and keep fit for rest of their lives and always use what they learned at the club. Biggest victory?? I had a young lady who never competed but got to the point she could spar 3 rounds in a row. Very pretty girl and gregarious personality. Went off to college out of town. After a party one night she took a cab home. The cabbie took her to a dark uiet place and attempted a sexual assault. She fought back and even though she took her lumps she Did not quit. She kept fighting through pain and exhaustion. Kept hearing { you going to quit ??} she did not. and averted an assault. Banged up, but her dignity intact. gives me tears and goosbumps everytime. Never a victory in the ring, but she is not ruined for life. Impacts community. She is married with kids today. A ripple effect. Boxing Clubs are not just about Boxing. Its about knowing yourself and doing what you never though you could do.. And it carries into your life. Like Martial Art. Real Martial Art. Not Strip mall Martal Art. LOL!!! I am Old School. LOL

What would you say to someone who’s curious about boxing but hasn’t quite had the courage to step into the gym yet?

It takes Courage to step in to a Boxing Club. It can be intimidating. Some put on an act. Tough guy with attitude. Some dont make eye contact. Some have attitude. Cause they are scared and want to show they are tough. But key is to force yourself to step in the door, force yourself to get on the floor and START!! And take the punishment and come back!! Then I know you got something inside you called character. You want to be better and your willing to work hard and willing to listen and learn. But you have to want it inside yourself. The coach simply points you in right direction. You must do it and walk towards the goal. Its all up to you. After a while they make eye contact, they develop self esteem, and ability. They dont have to prove it on street or school ground, because they know they can fight and hurt someone. And THEY KNOW what it is to be hit and how it feels. They learn to control their emotions and face fear, and not let their feelings over whelm them.. They apply this to everything else in their life without always realizing it. But its there. As the old saying goes "its the quiet ones you have to watch" so very true.

What’s something about running a boxing gym that might surprise people who’ve never been in one?

Running a Boxing gym is a full time job. Its hard , and requires sacrfices. You sacrifice personally and Financially. Lose time off work, lots of paper work, Phone Calls, organizing. Its really a full time job. I look back sometimes and I dont know how I did it!!! Having a home, a full time business and the club. Passion and love got me through. Its been frustrating at tmes and stressful for sure. Like dealing with irrate parents and demands of others who dont understand and are not willing to do what you do. But demand more. But its overall been a LABOR OF LOVE. You cant last in Boxing or Martial Art IF you dont love it. Love it or leave it!!! If its for money forget it!!! Most boxing coaches I know as well as Martial Art coaches are separated and divorced. I was very fortunate with Tonys mom. For most part she got it!! and knew and understood. Most women DON'T and simply Cant take what it requires. The time and effort and dedication it requires year after year, week after week, month after month, day in day out. I watch film on boxing EVERY DAY. Evety single day. My girlfriend laughs and says its my PORN habit!!! Maria used to say that too !! LOL Some other women not so much...lol!!! Got asked this question more than once on a dinner dat. "so you train them 3-4 nights a week?? and 1 or 2 weekends a month go away ?? all volunteer?????" i answer "yes" Needless to say there would be no second or 3rd date. LOL!!! Reality. But was for the best in end. But harsh reality for coach. Takes a toll financially and Personally. But cant say I regret. Although If Tonys mom had lived I would Never quit BUT I would slow down and find Some balance in my life. All the coaches or sensei I know been at it for decades, have simular stories. But I would not have had a successful Boxing Club with Winners, and Tony would NOT have had an International level career that took him around the world. I could and should have been a millionaire. {i am alright, and independantly debt free} but not where I should have been. But Its been a journey I never imagined.Beyond Anything I cuold have dreamed of. Met people on first name basis I never could have dreamed of. Beautiful Journey.

Any advice/ guidance to share with the community?

Having a Boxing Club in your community is a bonus and a plus. Boxing is NOT for everybody and everyone. But it gives some young people direction and HOPE, and a positive outlet . Young people need guidance, and direction, and discipline. My Boxing Club is NOT a democracy its a dictatorship!!! Because ,youth needs discipline and direction. Democracy comes later when they become independent of me and they have the tools in their toolbox to think for themselves and the know how and options to take action for themselves In the ring and out.. Boxing Clubs have people of all races and religion and creed. It dont matter what color you are. Its what you can do with your yourself and whats inside you that matters. Black, white, Native, arab, train side by side, get chastised and hammered equally verbally, and emotionally and physically. they learn there is no difference. We all Bleed the same color. Only color that counts. WE ALL THE SAME. We al learn to persevere, We don't all become champions in the ring and win medals and tropies, But we all WIN by trying and not giving up. Being the best we can be We all go home FRIENDS. We should have more places like Boxing Clubs in Every community.